Ham With Cherry Sauce
A delightful ham glazed with apple jelly and mustard, topped with a cherry sauce made from pie filling, pineapple, and raisins for a sweet and savory centerpiece.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the ham according to package instructions.
- While the ham is cooking, combine apple jelly, mustard, pineapple juice, and white wine in a saucepan.
- Cook and stir until boiling; then simmer for 3 minutes.
- Thirty minutes before the end of the ham's cooking time, remove the ham from the oven.
- Score the fat in diamonds and pour one-third of the glaze over the ham.
- Return the ham to the oven and cook for the remaining 30 minutes.
- In a saucepan with the remaining glaze, heat the cherry pie filling, raisins, and pineapple to boiling, stirring occasionally.
- At the end of the cooking time, transfer the ham to a platter and spoon the cherry sauce over it.
- Pour the remaining sauce into a bowl and pass at the table.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using a honey mustard instead of regular mustard. If you need a substitution for cherry pie filling, fresh or frozen cherries cooked with sugar can work well. To enhance the glaze, consider adding a splash of orange juice or zest. Always adjust the sweetness of the sauce according to your taste preferences, especially if using different brands of apple jelly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this ham with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or rice pilaf. For a festive touch, consider adding sides like Pat Nixon's Chestnut-Apple Dressing or a refreshing fruit salad. This dish is perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and can last for up to 3 days. When reheating, place the ham in a covered dish in the oven at 325°F until warmed through. The cherry sauce can be reheated on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham With Cherry Sauce contains roughly 41 calories, with 2g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of fruit filling?
Absolutely! While cherry pie filling is traditional, you can substitute with other fruit fillings such as blueberry or peach for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the sweetness level may vary, so adjust your glaze accordingly.
Is it necessary to score the ham?
Scoring the ham allows the glaze to penetrate and caramelize better, enhancing the flavor and appearance. While not strictly necessary, it’s highly recommended for the best results and a beautiful presentation.
How do I know when the ham is fully cooked?
A fully cooked ham should have an internal temperature of 140°F when reheated. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the ham, avoiding any bones. This ensures the ham is safe to eat and perfectly warmed.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).